‘Bad’ Boys and ‘Sad’ Girls? Examining Internalizing and Externalizing Effects on Parasuicides Among Youth

A series of logistic regression models were developed incorporating various internalizing & externalizing risk factors experienced by young people with the goal of predicting parasuicides among Canadian youth. Data were used from the National Longitudinal Study of Child and Youth – Waves 3 through 6 for a total sample of 2,499 15-year-olds. Results showed both suicidal ideation & attempt are more frequent for girls than boys. Contrary to expectations, externalizing problems had a greater impact on girls & internalizing programs had a marginally greater impact on boys. Results are discussed in light of their substantive importance, policy implications, & suggestions for future research. (44 refs.) JA